A Variety of Treats

I had my handful of treats today. First, despite a 50-degree start to the morning, God gave us a glorious day here in central Wisconsin. Didn't get a chance to enjoy it long enough!

Another treat, if you like pain, was an appointment with my massage therapist. Deep tissue. Ahhhh. Hurts so good. After that, I pondered going over to DQ since they've acknowledged the beginning of fall and pumpkin season. But I didn't. Was trying to be good and now I can't stop thinking about a Pumpkie Pie Blizzard. 

Dang.

My other treat today was getting to talk to my mom. She's 89. When she didn't answer at lunch, I got a little worried. Like how dare she leave her apartment and do something fun without any of her kids knowing? Ha. Well she was having "coffee hour" and it turned into 3 hours. Just visiting with the ladies, she said. I told that was great and assured her I didn't sound the alarm and report to my siblings that she was missing. We enjoyed a nice 45-minute conversation about nothing and everything. Feel blessed for that privilege.

For my final treat, I think I'll start digging in the freezer. There has got to something good in there.

Prep Work

When I realized my 23rd annual sister weekend is only a month away, I figured I better practice up. So tonight I went to "Girls' Night Out" at Anchor Bay on the Wisconsin River. And as it happened, there were 7 of us. Just like a sister weekend.

So I got used to a special order here and there – of course, I confirmed there was no onions before I ordered – and sides of ranch. Lots of sides of ranch. And everyone talking at once. And laughter. Lots of laughter.

In fact I was laughing and couldn't hold my phone still for a selfie with my friend Jenny. So we'll need to do that again. And just re-do the whole delicious meal along with it.

But yep, I'm prepped now. I can handle eating, laughing, and breathing simultaneously without losing consciousness. That's always a good sign. 

Bring it on, sisters. Can't wait to see y'all in 4 weeks!

Lap Blanket

Some call it good sleeping weather. I call it OMG I have to dig so far under the covers to stay warm!

Yes, it may have gotten down to the 40s last night. At least low 50s. Not sure how wide open the window was, but it was chilly. And I was buried deep under cover this morning and barely heard the alarm. 

We literally just turned off the A/C so I can't turn on the heat just yet. But my office has a heater! And, Sylvester was so accommodating this afternoon and actually warmed up my lap for 30 minutes. She's a pretty good lap blanket.

Hubby is gone this evening so I just went around the house and shut windows. I'll leave one in the bedroom open a crack to compensate for my electric mattress pad. For Jim's sake, not mine. I need heat only.

Kinda glad I didn't have sports to shoot tonight. B-r-r-r. And it's nice to sit around after a late night of volleyball last night. By the time, I got done with pictures, I was falling asleep in my chair. So no blogging.

Tonight it's just kitty and me. She's laying on the heated bathroom floor (I may or may not join her) and I actually get to watch my lowly Twins on TV. The good news is that I have a real lap blanket for that!

Fall Colors

The leaves may be starting to turn but the only fall color I saw today was yellow. Opening weekend of NFL football and I actually got to see my Vikes on TV since the Pack played a late game. Was that a good thing?

Not necessarily.

Mr. Skol Man and I were pumped up before the game! Like my new face mask from my friend Chris? Not the penalty kind of face mask. I left that to the Vikings

When the yellow flag was throw before the game clock even started, I knew we were in trouble. Wow. So many rookie mistakes. I ran out of fingers to count on by halftime. 

In the end, we had 12 penalties for 116 yards. So yes, that does equal a touchdown's worth of yardage. We could've beat the Bengals, but instead lost by 3 in OT. So that was sucky.

On a positive note, I got a ton of little projects done today so it was a productive day of rest. Hubby was golfing 36 holes at Sand Valley. Walking and golfing 36 holes. He may need his day of rest tomorrow! 

Either way, his fall colors of green and tan (sand) were more enjoyable!

Stop and Remember

Been a busy bee the last few days. Well my camera's been busy anyway. After shooting middle school football Thursday, I did high school football last night up in Stevens Point, then up and at 'em today to get to the start of cross country at 9 a.m. at Standing Rock Park (just east of Plover).

Although I got well over 10,000 steps today hustling back and forth between places on the course and the finish line, I took time to stop and smell the flowers. Or at least capture a bee smelling (or doing something) to a flower.

After sorting through photos and then ensuring the Badgers had things in hand, I also took time to stop and remember.

Today is the 20th anniversary already of the September 11th tragedy. And tragedy still isn't a strong enough word. 

I was flipping back and forth between several shows tonight and again was struck by how surreal it was. How much we witnessed on live television. How many stories we've seen and heard about not only those who died, but survivors. One gentleman pointed out tonight that anyone who woke up on September 12, 2001, is a survivor. 

It's true. And we all have stories. And we all remember. 

Well those of us old enough to remember the day. Who watched the events unfold. And re-watched all day. Internet was somewhat in its infancy. We all just stayed glued to the TV, watching again and again as the plane flew into the tower and then how each tower crumbled to the ground. 

Ground Zero.

Working at a newspaper had a whole host of extra memories. Special editions. Two newspapers a day. And we still couldn't keep up with how much was being discovered those first few days – Trade Center, Pentagon, Flight 93 – and how it all tied together. So surreal.

And still is. 

Feeling blessed today. Hope you are, too!

The Rear View

Caught this view in my rearview mirror on the way home tonight and had to capture it!

It's a good reminder that sometimes when we look at our past, we only see the mistakes. But if you catch the right angle, you'll realize there good parts too. Beautiful moments, in fact.

Don't beat yourself up. I think you're a good person. And I don't even know you.

I mean, I'm sure I do. Somehow. 

Anyway, that's my inspiring thought. After sorting through hundreds of middle school football pictures, I'm taking myself off to bed – to dream about sunsets.

Goodbye, AC

When you wake up to 54 degrees with a windchill to boot, it's time to shut off the AC. Crank open the windows.

And give Sylvester some screen time! Now which end is which, you ask?

"I'm right here! Duh," she says. Then went right back to a fresh air nap.

Didn't outside until after work and had rain – sprinkles, really – on and off for an hour. So glad they were gone then since I had a senior photo shoot. The rains held off but the gnats were gnasty!! They can survive cold weather, I guess. Craziness. 

I did have fun, though. Had some interesting props tonight. This kid is getting hands-on experience in construction and welding at school. So, my first welding shot...

... with a few extras added in. Fun, huh?

Getting caught up. Ten shoots down, 4 to go. Such a fun variety this year. Glad fall sports is in high gear so my camera doesn't bored!